Sophia Sullivan carried Emma Sullivan into the research institute.
Ethan Sullivan and his entourage were left waiting outside the glass room.
She smiled at the blond, blue-eyed foreign doctor before her.
"Jack, long time no see."
The man looked up from his documents at the sound of her voice.
He immediately stood and approached her.
"Ms. Sullivan! It really has been too long."
Jack Macmillan spread his arms warmly.
"Managing such a large institution is exhausting."
He lowered his voice.
"I made special arrangements when I heard you were coming—"
Sophia cut him off smoothly.
"Your organization is too secretive for frequent visits."
She shifted Emma in her arms.
"I need a favor this time."
Sophia gently stroked Emma's hair.
"This is my student. She has psychological barriers and autistic tendencies."
Jack raised an eyebrow in understanding.
A professional smile appeared on his face.
"You've come to the right place."
He retrieved a file from the desk.
"We recently hired an autism medication specialist."
Pointing to data on the report, he continued.
"The new drug has passed human trials with promising results."
Jack added cautiously.
"But we'll need to run tests first."
His gaze shifted to the silent child.
"Treatment differs for congenital versus acquired autism."
Sophia nodded in comprehension.
She asked softly.
"May I accompany her during the examination?"
Her arms tightened protectively around Emma.
"She might be frightened."
"Of course."
Jack gestured toward the hallway.
"Our procedures are very gentle."
The preliminary results came quickly.
Jack studied the diagnostic report carefully.
"It's definitely not congenital autism."
He confirmed.
"We can help her engage with the outside world."
His tone grew more measured.
"But I can't guarantee she'll regain speech."
Meeting Sophia's eyes, he explained.
"Trauma-induced mutism involves psychological factors."
Jack spread his hands helplessly.
"That requires time and... serendipity."
Sophia turned to seek Ethan's opinion.
"What do you think, Mr. Sullivan?"
"Proceed."
Ethan rested a hand on his daughter's head.
After treatment, Emma clung tightly to her ceramic doll.
Her empty gaze fixed on nothing.
Children her age should be lively and energetic.
Yet Emma remained silent day after day.
Ethan's voice held quiet determination.
"Just being aware of her surroundings is enough."
His eyes never left his daughter.
"Speech can come later. We're in no hurry."
Emma shrank deeper into Sophia's embrace at the mention of more tests.
"Be good, Emma. I'll go with you."
Sophia carried her toward the glass-walled lab.
Over her shoulder, she told Ethan.
"Please wait here, Mr. Sullivan. I'll bring her out afterward."
"Thank you, Ms. Sullivan."
Ethan watched them disappear down the corridor.
He realized Sophia's cold exterior concealed unexpected warmth.
Ian Watson approached at that moment.
"Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Sullivan's background is unusual."
He reported in hushed tones.
"She's not a member, yet she's familiar with the director."
Ian ventured carefully.
"Should we investigate further?"
"Unnecessary."
Ethan dismissed the idea outright.
Confusion flashed across Ian's face.
Ethan spoke mildly.
"Your team lacks the capability to uncover anything."
Ian fell silent.
Ethan understood his subordinate's doubts.
But he knew Sophia's capabilities better.
If her background were easily traceable, she wouldn't have maintained her disguise this long.
Liam Winston and Chloe Evans still believed her to be ordinary.
Previous investigations showed clean records.
Any new efforts would prove equally futile.
Ethan reflected privately.
Friendship with Sophia was the wisest choice.
At minimum, keeping distance was essential.
Only fools would make an enemy of her.